【Complete Guide】Makoto Shinkai’s “Your Name” Hida City Library (Gifu Prefecture) Sacred Site Pilgrimage | Comprehensive Explanation from Photography Permissions to Surrounding Tourism
Released in 2016, the animated film “Your Name” directed by Makoto Shinkai recorded a massive box office success exceeding 25 billion yen in Japan. One of the important locations featured in the work is the “Hida City Library” located in Hida City, Gifu Prefecture.
In this article, for those planning a sacred site pilgrimage, we provide a thorough explanation of detailed information about Hida City Library, how to obtain photography permits, scenes from the film, access methods, and surrounding tourist spots.
Hida City Library | An Important Stage in “Your Name”
Hida City Library is a municipal library located in Furukawa Town, Hida City, Gifu Prefecture. It is conveniently located about a 5-minute walk from Hida Furukawa Station on the JR Takayama Main Line and is adjacent to Hida City Hall.
History and Architectural Characteristics of the Library
Originally called “Furukawa Town Library,” the name was changed to the current “Hida City Library” following the Heisei Great Merger. The building was designed by Kanazawa Planning and Research Institute with modern design, and its exterior features a refined structure that effectively combines glass and wood.
Hida furniture is used throughout the interior, creating a calm atmosphere where you can feel the warmth and softness of wood. As a library that incorporates regional traditional crafts while also possessing modern functionality, it is loved by local residents.
Appearance Scenes in “Your Name” and the Role in the Story
In “Your Name,” the main character Taki Tachibana visits the library along with his friend Shoji Fujii and senior Miki Okudera when they travel to Gifu Prefecture to research information about Mitsuha Miyamizu’s hometown of Itomori.
This scene serves as a particularly important turning point in the story, where Taki and his friends learn the shocking fact that a Tiamat meteor fell three years earlier, causing catastrophic damage to Itomori. Through newspaper article databases and materials in the library, they come to know the truth about Mitsuha’s safety and Itomori’s situation.
The film faithfully recreates not only the exterior of the library but also interior elements such as stairs, reading spaces, and shelf arrangements, making it an unmissable sacred site for fans.
Sacred Site Pilgrimage to Hida City Library | Basic Information to Know Before Visiting
Basic Information and Access Methods
Address: 〒509-4232 Furukawa Town, Hida City, Gifu Prefecture 2-22 Honmachi
Opening Hours: Tuesday–Friday 9:30 AM–7:00 PM, Saturday/Sunday/Holidays 9:30 AM–5:00 PM
Closed: Mondays (or the following day if Monday is a holiday), year-end/new year, special inventory periods
Phone: 0577-73-5600
Admission: Free
Access by Train
- About 5 minutes on foot from JR Takayama Main Line “Hida Furukawa Station”
- About 2 hours 30 minutes via Limited Express Wide View Hida from Nagoya Station
- About 1 hour 30 minutes via Limited Express Wide View Hida from Toyama Station
- About 15 minutes by regular train from Takayama Station
Exiting Hida Furukawa Station and proceeding to the right, heading toward City Hall, the library building comes into view. Being close to the station means you’re unlikely to get lost on a first visit.
Access by Car
- About 20 minutes via National Route 41 from “Hida Kiyomi IC” on the Tokai-Hokuriku Expressway
- About 30 minutes via National Route 41 from “Takayama IC” on the Chubu Longitudinal Expressway
The library has a dedicated parking lot, but the number of spaces is limited, so it may be full on weekends and peak tourist seasons. In such cases, it is recommended to use nearby public parking.
Photography Permission Application Method | Rules That Must Be Observed
Hida City Library understands that many fans visit as a sacred site from “Your Name” and permits in-house photography under certain rules.
Steps to Obtain Photography Permit
- Apply at Reception Counter: Upon entering the building, first inform staff at the first-floor reception counter of your intention to photograph
- Fill Out Photography Permit Form: Complete a simple application form with your name, contact information, and photography purpose
- Confirm Precautions: Receive explanations from staff regarding photography precautions
- Receive Permit: Receive your photography permit and carry it in a visible location
Photography Precautions and Etiquette
- Be considerate so that other users’ faces and personal information are not captured: Privacy protection is the top priority
- Flash photography is prohibited: Please refrain from using flash so as not to disturb other users
- Tripod and selfie stick use is generally prohibited: Do not block passageways or obstruct the movement of other users
- Maintain quiet: The library is a place for study and reading. Loud conversations and noise are strictly forbidden
- Keep photography brief: Prolonged photography becomes bothersome to other users. Photograph efficiently
- Be thoughtful when posting on SNS: When posting photos on social media, double-check that no other users are captured
The library is an essential public facility in the daily lives of local residents. Maintain a balance between enjoying sacred site pilgrimage and respecting the library’s original function.
Comparing Film Scenes with Actual Locations | Photography Spot Guide
Exterior Photography Points
The library’s exterior is depicted impressively in the film. The contrast between the modern glass building and the Hida mountains visible in the background creates a beautiful composition.
Recommended Photography Points:
- Full-scale view from in front of the main library entrance
- Diagonal angle from the City Hall side
- Library with illuminated lighting at dusk (best around 5 PM in winter)
Main In-Building Photography Spots
Entrance Hall
The entrance hall depicted in the scene where Taki and friends enter the library. The bright, open space of the atrium and the warmth of Hida furniture are impressive.
Staircase
The staircase leading to the second floor was used as an important cut in the film. The wooden railing and natural light streaming through windows are distinctive features.
Reading Space
The reading space where Taki and his friends appear to be researching newspaper articles. You can also enjoy the outside scenery from the window-side seats.
Shelf Area
The neatly arranged shelves create a calm library atmosphere. This area is a must-capture for reproducing the film’s ambiance in photographs.
Tips for Recreating Film Scenes
- Time of Day: Many scenes in the film are set during bright daytime, so visiting from morning through early afternoon is recommended
- Angle: Checking camera angles from the film beforehand allows for more efficient photography
- Season: Though scenes are set from summer to autumn in the work, beautiful photos can be taken regardless of season
Attractions of Hida City Library | Ways to Enjoy Beyond Sacred Site Pilgrimage
Abundant Collections and Regional Materials
Hida City Library is well-equipped not only as a sacred site pilgrimage spot but also in its original library functions. With approximately 100,000 books, it offers a wide range of genres from general works to children’s books and specialized materials.
Particularly noteworthy is the regional materials corner focused on the history and culture of the Hida region. Valuable materials are available that help you deeply understand Hida’s attractions, including the techniques of Hida craftsmen, the Furukawa Festival, and Hida beef.
Hida Furniture Display Space
Hida furniture is placed throughout the building and can be actually used by sitting in it. Hida furniture is one of Japan’s representative furniture brands, and its quality is highly evaluated both domestically and internationally.
The ability to experience the excellence of Hida’s traditional crafts while reading or resting is a charm unique to this library.
Events and Exhibitions
Hida City Library regularly holds community-rooted events and exhibitions. From storytelling sessions for children to local artist exhibitions and planned exhibitions on Hida history, there is something new to discover with each visit.
It is recommended to check the library’s official website before visiting to confirm information on ongoing events.
“Your Name” Sacred Sites in the Hida Furukawa Area
Beyond Hida City Library, the Hida Furukawa area contains numerous sacred sites from “Your Name.” Here we introduce an efficient model course to visit them.
Hida Furukawa Station
Appears in the film as the station where Taki and his friends arrive from Tokyo. The retro station building and surrounding landscape are impressive. Sacred site pilgrimage maps are also available at the station, making it an ideal starting point.
Highlights:
- Station building exterior and station forecourt
- Hida mountains visible from the platform
- Station interior waiting room
Ketai Wakamiya Shrine
Considered one of the models for Shrine of the Miyamizu family. A long stone staircase leads to the main sanctuary, from which you can overlook the entire town of Hida Furukawa.
Highlights:
- Stone stairs and torii gate
- Main sanctuary architecture
- Views from the shrine grounds
Old Town Area of Hida Furukawa
The charming area of white-walled earthen-walled storehouses is the model for the town where Taki searched for Mitsuha.
Highlights:
- Seto River and white-walled storehouse street
- Enkou Temple vicinity
- Furukawa Festival float storehouse
Ajidokoro Furukawa (Ramen Restaurant)
The model for the ramen shop where Taki and friends stopped. Currently in operation, you can enjoy Hida ramen here.
One-Day Sacred Site Pilgrimage Model Course
Morning:
- 9:00 AM Arrival at Hida Furukawa Station, photograph surroundings
- 9:30 AM Visit and photograph Hida City Library (about 1 hour)
- 10:30 AM Worship at Ketai Wakamiya Shrine (15 minutes on foot, 30 minutes stay)
Lunch:
- 12:00 PM Ramen at Ajidokoro Furukawa
Afternoon:
- 1:00 PM Seto River and white-walled storehouse street exploration (about 1 hour)
- 2:00 PM Hida Furukawa Festival Museum visit (about 40 minutes)
- 3:00 PM Additional town area exploration, souvenir shopping
- 4:00 PM Depart from Hida Furukawa Station
This course allows you to efficiently visit major sacred sites.
Tourist Spots Around Hida City and Accommodation Information
Tourist Attractions in Takayama City
About 15 minutes by train from Hida Furukawa, Takayama City offers even more tourist attractions.
Takayama Jinya: An Edo-period magistrate’s residence designated as a National Historic Site
Old Town Area (Sanmachi): An Important Preservation District for Groups of Historic Buildings with streets retaining Edo-era atmosphere
Takayama Morning Market: Two markets—Miyagawa Morning Market and Jinya-mae Morning Market—with fresh local vegetables and crafts
Hida no Sato: An open-air museum with gassho-zukuri farmhouses relocated from elsewhere
Shirakawa-go
About one hour by car from Hida Furukawa is the UNESCO World Heritage site of Shirakawa-go. The beautiful scenery of the gassho-zukuri village settlement is a representative tourist destination in Japan.
How to Choose Accommodation
Hida Furukawa Area:
- Guesthouses and inns converted from old houses scattered throughout
- Ideal location for sacred site pilgrimage
- Quiet and calm atmosphere
Takayama City Area:
- Wide range of options from hotels to traditional inns
- Abundant tourist facilities and dining
- Can also enjoy evening exploration of the old town
Hot Spring Areas:
- Okuhida Onsen area (Shinhotaka Onsen, Hirayu Onsen, etc.)
- Gero Onsen (about 1 hour by car from Hida Furukawa)
For pilgrimage-focused visits, accommodation in Hida Furukawa or central Takayama is recommended. If you also wish to enjoy hot springs, basing yourself in the Okuhida Onsen or Gero Onsen areas is also a good option.
Enjoyment by Visit Season and Recommended Times
Spring (March–May)
Highlights: Cherry blossom season, refreshing air after snow melts
Events: Furukawa Festival (April 19–20)—Hida Furukawa’s largest festival featuring gorgeous floats and energetic taiko drumming
Clothing: Early mornings and evenings are chilly, so bring something to layer
Summer (June–August)
Highlights: Beautiful green mountains, cool landscape of the clear Seto River
Caution: Rainy season (mid-June to mid-July) requires umbrellas
Clothing: Daytime is warm but mornings and evenings are cool. Layerable clothing is best
Many film scenes are set in summer, so this season is recommended for those wanting to recreate the atmosphere.
Fall (September–November)
Highlights: Beautiful autumn foliage, clear air and blue skies
Cuisine: New rice, mushrooms, Hida beef, and other autumn flavors abound
Clothing: Large temperature swings between day and evening require adjustable clothing
Peak tourism season with ideal conditions for photography.
Winter (December–February)
Highlights: Snow-covered Hida town scenery, winter silence
Events: Santera Mai (January 15)—a traditional Hida Furukawa event
Caution: Snow may fall, requiring heavy winter clothing and non-slip shoes
Clothing: Full winter gear is necessary
Winter in Hida has fewer tourists, allowing for leisurely sacred site pilgrimage. The library amid snow scenery is fantastically beautiful.
Hida Cuisine and Regional Specialties
Enjoy Hida’s flavors during sacred site pilgrimage breaks.
Hida Beef
One of Japan’s representative brand cattle. Characterized by fine-grained marbling and tender meat. Enjoyed in various forms including steak, yakiniku, sukiyaki, and nigiri sushi.
Hida Ramen
Characterized by a chicken-based soy sauce broth with thin, curly noodles. Light yet rich in umami flavor.
Hoba Miso
A local dish where miso, vegetables, mushrooms, and Hida beef are grilled on a magnolia leaf. The fragrant aroma of the leaf whets the appetite.
Gohei Mochi
Rice flattened and wrapped around a stick, then grilled with sweet and salty sauce. A traditional Hida snack ideal for eating while walking.
Saruboubo
A folk craft of the Hida region featuring a red doll figure. The name plays on the words for “monkey” and “leave,” implying that misfortune will go away. Popular as a souvenir.
Further Enjoyment of Sacred Site Pilgrimage | Preparations and Tips
Pre-Visit Preparations
- Review the Work: Re-watch “Your Name” before visiting to identify the featured scenes
- Obtain Sacred Site Maps: Available at Hida Furukawa Station and visitor information centers
- Check Weather Forecasts: Mountain areas have changeable weather, so advance checking is important
- Confirm Operating Hours: Verify opening hours and closed days of planned facilities beforehand
Packing List
- Camera/smartphone (don’t forget chargers)
- Sacred site pilgrimage notebook or stamp book
- Comfortable walking shoes
- Season-appropriate clothing
- Umbrella
- Drinks and light snacks
- Maps and guidebooks
Etiquette and Manners
- Never trespass on private property
- Respect residents’ lives: Avoid loud conversations early morning or late evening
- Always take trash with you: Contribute to environmental conservation
- Follow traffic rules: Especially be careful when photographing near roads
- Be considerate at crowded spots: Show courtesy at popular locations
SNS Posting Precautions
- Verify that other people’s faces and personal information are not captured
- Be careful with location sharing (especially for accommodations)
- Avoid posts that interfere with facility operations
- Use spoiler-alert hashtags when appropriate
Relationship Between “Your Name” and Hida City | Impact on Regional Development
Changes After Film Release
Following “Your Name’s” release, many domestic and international fans have visited Hida City. The number of visitors to Hida City Library has increased significantly compared to pre-release figures, with notable increases in young visitors and international tourists.
According to announcements by the Hida City Tourism Association, tourist numbers increased approximately 30% in the years following the film’s release, with substantial economic benefits.
Community Initiatives
Hida City has recognized “Your Name” as an opportunity for regional revitalization and has undertaken various efforts.
- Creation and distribution of sacred site pilgrimage maps
- Sacred site pilgrimage support at visitor centers
- Development and sale of related merchandise
- Establishment of in-building photography permit systems
- Planning of official sacred site pilgrimage tours
Through these efforts, an environment where fans can comfortably enjoy sacred site pilgrimage has been established.
Efforts Toward Sustainable Tourism
Conversely, rapid increases in tourist numbers raise concerns about impacts on residents’ lives. Hida City is working toward sustainable tourism development by conducting manners awareness campaigns and installing appropriate directional signage to balance tourism with residents’ lives.
By each visitor following etiquette and respecting the community, this beautiful sacred site will be preserved for the future.
New Kanemaki’s Worldview and Hida Scenery
Director Shinkai’s Depiction of “Everyday Beauty”
Director Makoto Shinkai is known for beautifully depicting everyday scenery. In “Your Name,” Hida’s nature, town areas, and locations such as the library are portrayed with special beauty through delicate light expression and careful attention to detail.
Hida City Library, though usually a quiet place where residents read, becomes a special location with narrative significance in the film.
Fusion of Actual Scenery and Film
Visiting Hida City Library in person reveals how faithfully the film represents the actual location. The building’s structure, light through windows, and shelf arrangements are all meticulously recreated.
Simultaneously, one notices how the director’s aesthetic sensibility makes the actual scenery even more captivating. The delight of sacred site pilgrimage lies in experiencing both the “actual scenery” and the “scenery from the film.”
Conclusion | Experience the World of “Your Name” at Hida City Library
Hida City Library is an important location in “Your Name’s” narrative and a central sacred site pilgrimage spot.
When visiting, keep these points in mind:
Pre-Visit Preparation:
- Confirm opening hours and closed days
- Understand the photography permit system
- Check surrounding sacred site pilgrimage spots
During Visit Etiquette:
- Obtain photography permit at reception
- Show consideration for other users
- Maintain quiet
- Photograph efficiently in a short time
Enjoying the Surrounding Area:
- Sacred site visits around Hida Furukawa Station
- Savoring Hida cuisine
- Exploring traditional town scenery
- Attending seasonal events
Hida City Library is not merely a sacred site pilgrimage spot but a place to learn about Hida’s culture and history. Fully enjoy “Your Name’s” worldview while respecting the library’s original function.
Hida’s beautiful nature, the warmth of the local people, and the world depicted by director Shinkai—experience a special time where all these elements merge at Hida City Library.
Following proper etiquette and respecting the community, create wonderful sacred site pilgrimage memories. We hope your visit becomes an opportunity to more deeply appreciate both Hida City and “Your Name.”
